Thinking of upgrading your building’s performance but unsure where to start?
Applied window films have become one of the most underrated building improvements you can make right now. Window films cost way less than replacing windows, they can be installed without disrupting your daily operations, and they work to deliver real results starting on day one.
Here’s what you’ll learn…
Installing privacy window film used to be a decorative afterthought. Today window film solutions have advanced into a whole-line thermal comfort solution that homeowners, commercial building managers, and building engineers are using all over the country.
Table of Contents
- What Is Privacy Window Film?
- The Thermal Comfort Problem Windows Create
- How Window Film Fixes It
- The Visual Comfort Benefits Nobody Talks About
- Types of Window Film Worth Knowing About
- How To Choose The Right Film
What Is Privacy Window Film?
Privacy window film is an adhesive sheet installed directly to existing glass surfaces. Most window films filter, reflect, or absorb certain wavelengths in the light and heat spectrums.
While window replacement…
Window films act as an upgrade to the existing glass already installed. That’s why window films are one of the smartest first steps to any building skin upgrade. Homeowners, commercial managers, and business owners researching privacy window film in Memphis will find that professional window films can help with energy loss and visual privacy in one application.
The final result is a more comfortable building that operates with greater efficiency — without months of downtime or a six-figure renovation.
The Thermal Comfort Problem Windows Create
Let’s talk about something that most building owners don’t think about…
Windows are easily the number one thermal weak point of any building. In summer months, solar heat radiates inside while cooled air escapes. In winter months, the opposite happens. Indoor heat is lost as quickly as it’s generated. Essentially windows bring the outdoor temperature inside every day and HVAC units pay the price.
The U.S. Department of Energy writes, window heat gain is responsible for about one third of a building’s cooling costs. To put that into perspective, a third of your total energy bill is being driven by inefficient glass.
And if you have big windows, you have an even bigger problem.
Large windows have been popping up in buildings for years. Office spaces, storefronts, and residential homes are increasingly installing large expanses of glass. While they may look nice on the outside, they create sweat boxes on the inside. Window film helps direct uncomfortable hot spots near glass walls, even temperatures throughout rooms, and keeps cooling systems from running longer cycles each month.
How Window Film Fixes It
Enter privacy window film.
High-grade solar control window films block solar heat from entering the building. In fact some films are capable of rejecting 82% of solar heat from entering your building through windows. This dramatically decreases the stress on your cooling system while eliminating those pesky hot spots by windows.
A recent study conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the International Window Film Association reported that window film can cut cooling costs by 30%. The study also found that homeowners with older single-pane windows could decrease their energy bills during summer months by 20 to 40 percent.
Not too shabby for a fraction of replacement window costs.
Oh, and here’s the kicker…
Homeowners can qualify for a tax credit from The Inflation Reduction Act that can put hundreds of dollars back in their pockets. The tax credit pays for up to 30% of professional window film installation costs. Commercial applications have been shown to recoup investment costs in as little as 3 years. When you do the math, window film just makes sense.
The Visual Comfort Benefits Nobody Talks About
When it comes to energy efficiency a lot gets said about solar heat gain and window film’s ability to reject unwanted heat. But did you know that window films also offer major visual comfort advantages?
Take a look at how unfiltered natural light affects a space:
- Glare on screens and desk surfaces
- Eyestrain for occupants near glass walls
- Faded furniture, flooring, fabrics, and decorations
- Lack of privacy from passersby
Glare is the enemy of productivity. When light shines directly onto office equipment and desks, employees move to interior seats. Once they’re stuck away from the windows they need to crank up screen brightness to see. This only leads to more eyestrain and uncomfortable work environments. In a store front this can bleach out merchandise and send customers running.
Not only does privacy window film reduce glare by limiting visible light transmissions. Window films diffuse bright spots on surfaces while blocking up to 99% of UV rays from entering your home or office. Sunlight still enters the room it’s just spread evenly and appears more comfortable. Occupants enjoy less glare on screens, softer light concentrations throughout the day, and don’t feel like they’re living in a fishbowl. Everyone wins.
Types of Window Film Worth Knowing About
Privacy window films come in a few different styles. It all depends on what you actually need from the film.
Solar Control Film
Specifically engineered for heat rejection. Ideal for south and west-facing windows that receive a large amount of direct sunlight throughout the day.
Dual-Reflective Window Film
Provides privacy from the outside during daytime hours while maintaining a clear view from the inside. Popular with businesses and homeowners wanting privacy from peering eyes.
Decorative Privacy Film
Includes frosting or patterns that completely obscure vision through glass. These types of films are most commonly used in bathrooms, conference rooms, and fitting rooms.
Security and Safety Window Film
Heavy duty films that help contain broken glass in the event of an accident. Provides privacy benefits while also structurally reinforcing your windows.
There are varying tints and levels of reflectivity across all of these film types. So the perfect film combo for your building can be achieved.
How To Choose The Right Film
Here’s the honest truth…
If you try to guess which window film is right for your building you’re playing a game of Russian roulette. Pick the wrong type and you could rob your building of beneficial solar heat gain during winter months. Not to mention window film installations can fall short on the privacy you were expecting.
Window film consultations should include:
- Orientation — North, south, east, and west all perform differently.
- Glass type — Not all films can be installed on top of coated or tempered glass.
- Comfort objectives — Thermal comfort, privacy, glare reduction, and security are all different factors to consider.
- Climate — If you live in a hot climate then solar heat rejection is your top priority. Don’t live where it’s extremely hot or cold? You’ll need a film that balances both.
Know these four things and you’ll get exactly what you need out of your window film installation.
Wrap Up On Window Film
Window films are one of the most affordable and efficient upgrades your building can get.
Window films fix common complaints — heat gain, wasted energy, glare on screens, UV degradation, and unwanted visibility. And it does all of this without modifying your building structure. If you have an older home or business with lots of glass, window film is almost always the highest ROI upgrade.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Windows make up approximately one third of your cooling costs.
- Window film can decrease cooling costs by up to 30%.
- UV protection, glare reduction, and privacy are standard benefits of window film.
- There are a variety of films that can service every use case from comfort to security.
- Window film installations require a professional to help you choose the right product.